Understanding Low Blood Sugar: What a Level of 12 Means
When it comes to blood sugar levels, most people are aware that high levels can be problematic. However, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is just as serious and requires prompt attention. A level of 12 mg/dL is considered severely low and may require medical intervention.
Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, or even death if left untreated. At this stage, the body's glucose levels are critically depleted, causing an insufficient supply of energy for vital organs. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, weakness, tremors, sweating, and palpitations. If you experience any of these symptoms at a blood sugar level of 12 mg/dL or lower.
Dietary Factors That Influence Blood Sugar Levels
A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Certain foods are known to either raise or lower glucose levels in the body, and understanding their impact is essential for those with diabetes. Foods high on the glycemic index (GI), such as white bread, pasta, and baked potatoes, can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar due to their high carbohydrate content.
On the other hand, fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes tend to have a lower GI value and take longer for the body what are 5 signs your blood sugar is too high to digest. This helps how to rapidly lower blood sugar slow down glucose release into the bloodstream. Regular consumption of these low-GI foods can help stabilize blood sugar levels over time.
How Exercise Affects Blood Sugar Levels
Regular physical activity is essential not only for maintaining good health but also in managing diabetes. When you exercise, your muscles use up more energy than usual, which stimulates your body to release glucose from stored sources into the bloodstream. At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive that exercising can actually increase blood alarming blood sugar levels sugar levels.
However, if done consistently and at a moderate intensity over time (aerobic activities like jogging or cycling), regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity – an important factor for effective glucose regulation in those with diabetes.
The Role of Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive your body is to the presence of normal blood sugar levels for hypoglycemics insulin. In healthy individuals, cells readily take up glucose from the bloodstream when insulin levels are high and can effectively clear excess blood sugar when insulin decreases after a meal or between meals. However, in those with type 2 diabetes (and often type 1), chronic hyperinsulinemia develops.
As your body produces more and more insulin but becomes increasingly resistant to it, cells grow less responsive over time, impairing glucose uptake from the bloodstream. This phenomenon affects up to two-thirds of adults diagnosed with pre-diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes by contributing significantly towards impaired blood sugar regulation.
Why Maintaining a Stable Blood Sugar Range Is Crucial
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is critical because fluctuations can lead to chronic complications and put you at an increased risk of health problems, including cardiovascular disease (heart attacks/strokes), kidney damage/diabetes-related nerve disorders like foot ulcers or amputations in more severe cases.
It might be tempting to rely solely on medication management for those with type 1 diabetes; however, the majority – around 90% – have developed their insulin resistance through factors within reach: diet and lifestyle modifications offer hope as first line treatments that require no side effects or medical equipment beyond self-measured blood glucose meter (SMBG).
What is the connection between adrenal fatigue and diabetes? Watch this video to find out. Videos on Adrenal Support: Timestamps: 0:00 Cortisol and the adrenal glands 0:42 Cortisol’s catabolic effects on the body 2:25 The adrenal fatigue and diabetes connection 3:02 What causes adrenal fatigue? In this video, I want to talk to you about the connection between adrenal fatigue and diabetes. Diabetes goes beyond just sugar and carbs. Stress plays a role here too. I’m going to show you why. First, it helps to understand what the adrenal glands are and how they function. Your adrenal glands are located above your kidneys. They produce hormones, including the “stress hormone” cortisol. Cortisol produces a catabolic effect. Catabolic is relating to the breakdown of molecules or proteins. Anabolic is the opposite of this—which means it builds up muscle. If you are in a catabolic state, your body is breaking down important muscle proteins and making you weak and flabby. The worst part is that cortisol then turns the broken down proteins into glucose or blood sugar. In turn, this spikes your insulin levels and leads to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. This means that if you are stressed, you are going to have a very difficult time losing weight, and you are going to set yourself up for type II diabetes. Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media. Follow Me On Social Media: Facebook: Instagram: Anchor: TikTok: ABOUT DR. BERG: Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. #keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketosis Thanks for watching. I hope this video helped clear up the connection between diabetes, stress, and adrenal fatigue.